BRIEF—First oral CGRP blocker wins UK funding

The British business of Pfizer has announced a positive reimbursement decision for Vydura (rimegepant), unlocking the migraine med’s routine use in England and Wales.

The UK’s health technology assessor has recommended the product as an option for preventing episodic migraine in certain adults, provided at least three preventative treatments have failed.

The product is the first oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist to win reimbursement in the country.

Developed by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals and commercialized as Nurtec ODT in the USA, the product was approved in the European Union in April 2022.

Pfizer  bought Biohaven for $11.6 billion at around the same time.